Forensic photographers provide important data to help solve legal cases.
A forensic photographer is someone who uses photographic equipment and techniques to help forensic teams use science to solve legal issues. They will usually take photographs of crime scenes, scenes of accidents and items of evidence. They may use many different photographic techniques, such as ultraviolet and infrared films, as well as computers to analyze images.
Average Salary
The average salary of a forensic photographer can vary widely. Factors affecting salary include the type and location of the photographer's employer, the amount of experience and expertise the photographer has accrued. The Schools in the USA website suggests the average salary for a forensic photographer is $24,000, while SalaryExpert places it around $30,000.
Employers
Most forensic photographers work for police departments, sheriff's departments or a coroner's office. Thus, they are public sector workers and usually attain a good pension and benefits alongside their salary. However, there also may be opportunities in the private sector, working for firms of lawyers, providing documentary evidence to support their cases.
Education
There is no formal requirement to become a forensic photographer, but the photographer with demonstrable experience in the field will have a better chance at securing a good salary. Many universities offer degrees in criminal justice and forensic science, within which the student may be able to specialize in photography. A thorough knowledge of photography technique and picture development will also be an asset.
Future Prospects
The Legal Criminal Justice Schools website predicts demand for experts in the forensic field will rise 31 percent over the next decade, so the pay should increase as demand for experts becomes greater. It is also in the photographer's interests to keep up to date with developments in photographic techniques that may be applicable to forensic investigation, such as macrophotography and sensitometry.
Tags: forensic photographer, average salary forensic, demand experts, field will, photographic techniques
